Intentional Beginnings

Hello everyone!

I hope 2025 is off to a good start for you! Whether you're easing back into your routine or exploring new goals, there’s something comforting about the idea of a fresh start. And if resolutions or big goals aren’t your thing, that’s perfectly okay!

The beauty of a new year is that you get to shape it in a way that works best for you and your needs. Personally, I’m a big fan of gentle beginnings—embracing ease over pressure. Instead of rigid resolutions, focusing on meaningful intentions can offer a softer, more flexible path to growth.

Writing down your intentions or creating a vision board can be powerful ways to sharpen your focus and bring purpose to your year. If you’re curious about making a vision board, I’ve shared some simple tips in this newsletter to help you get started.

All the best,

Mandy

FROM THE GG BLOG
8 Signs It’s Time to Consider Therapy

Therapy can be a transformative step toward healing, growth, and clarity. Starting therapy isn’t a sign that something is “wrong” with you—it’s a courageous decision to invest in your well-being and personal growth. If you’ve been wondering if it’s the right time to seek therapy, here are eight signs that may help guide you in that direction.

1. You’re struggling to enjoy activities that used to bring you joy.

2. You’re having trouble processing something.

3. You’re unable to cope with stressors, and it’s affecting your life.

4. You feel stuck.

5. You’re repeating patterns.

6. You’re navigating a major life transition.

7. You’ve experienced trauma.

8. Loved ones have suggested it.

MEDIA
A Therapist’s Take on Bravo Stars Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover’s Breakup — Featured in Yahoo!

Confession time: I love a good reality show, especially anything on Bravo. If you’ve been keeping up with Summer House or Southern Charm, you’re likely familiar with Paige DeSorbo and Craig Conover’s relationship journey over the past three years—a story that has created a sense of community and emotional relatability for many viewers.

I’m also a big fan of Paige and Hannah Berner’s podcast, Giggly Squad, and when Paige opened up about her breakup on a recent episode, she said something that really resonated with so many women: “You can be 32 and decide to change the entire course of your life. You don’t have to get married and have a baby because you think you have to. Just because you’re in your 30s doesn’t mean you’re running out of time.”

Her honesty and courage to share this message were so inspiring and normalizing—especially for women navigating their 20s and 30s. If this speaks to you, check out the article below, where I share more of my thoughts on the topic.

INSPO
Tips to Make a Vision Board

Vision boards can be more than just a fun activity—they’re a powerful tool for goal setting and self-reflection. When you have a visual representation of your goals and aspirations, it serves as a daily reminder of what you’re working toward. It can help you stay motivated, focused, and aligned with your values. Plus, the process of creating one can bring clarity to what truly matters to you.

If you’re thinking about making one, here are some tips:

• Start with your intentions—what do you want to invite into your life?

• Make it personal to reflect your unique goals, values, and aspirations.

• Use images, words, and symbols that resonate deeply with you.

• Keep it somewhere you’ll see it regularly, like your phone or computer background, to stay inspired.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s about creating a meaningful visual representation of your hopes and dreams.

LISTEN
🎙️ Mel Robbins: How to Use the ‘Let Them Theory’ (A Life Changing Mindset Hack That 15 Million People Can’t Stop Talking About)

On this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Jay chats with best-selling author and motivational speaker Mel Robbins about a transformative mindset tool designed to help you take control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions while releasing what’s beyond your control. Listen here.

Today’s Affirmation

RESOURCES
Books

• The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins.

• When You're Ready, This Is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest.

• The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday.

If you're in Maryland or DC and looking to discuss therapy options, you can find me at Mindful Therapy Collective.